Tuesday, October 08, 2013

One of Euskaltel's biggest ever stars and favourite sons, Igor Antón, is still looking for a team for 2014.

The 30-year-old has long been linked with a move to Omega Pharma-QuickStep, but his hope of signing for Patrick Lefevere's team took a big hit when news broke that Thomas de Gendt had received what's believed to be the last available spot on their 2014 roster.

"Right now I've got nothing sealed - at least not officially", he told ETB, according to BiciCiclismo. "And with time ticking away, you do get a little nervous".

Though most teams are done shopping for the winter, he's in no way lost hope he'll be riding at cycling's top level next season.

"Several doors have been opened: if it's not from Omega Pharma, there are many other interested teams.

"My aim is to secure a spot on a WorldTour outfit".

It's believed Antón had a deal in place with Omega Pharma before Fernando Alonso announced he was looking to buy Euskaltel's WorldTour license, but that deal was subsequently not signed as it appeared the team's future was in safe hands.

Various sources also have it he was close to reaching a deal with Astana at one point.

According to BiciCiclismo Tuesday evening, though, Antón may very well sign with Lefevere's team in the next few days or even hours.

The rider's agent, Giuseppe Acquadro, is reportedly meeting Lefevere in Málaga on Tuesday evening in the hope of thrashing out deal.